cta travel information

Live Well • Work Well Promoting a healthier lifestyle through total wellness.

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

All aboard!

Hello and welcome.

The CTA provides public transit service throughout Chicago and many neighboring communities. We offer both subway/elevated rapid transit train service (the ‘L’ system) and bus service.

We connect with other transit providers like Metra, Pace, Amtrak, and the South Shore Line. We also serve both of Chicago's major airports .

Hours of service

Most of our train routes and many bus routes operate from the early morning until the late evening.

Red Line and Blue Line train service operates 24 hours per day, every day. Several bus routes, called Night Owl routes, also run 24 hours per day.

Hours of service vary, so be sure to check  schedules  or use a  trip planner  before you go.

CTA is the best value for getting around Chicago, and each fare includes two free transfers within two hours.

If you ride a lot, unlimited-ride passes provide an even better value.

Free or reduced fare programs are available for children, seniors, Medicare recipients, people with disabilities and other qualifying groups.

Fare prices  

Plan your trip

On this website you can download  maps of the whole system , or  maps and timetables for individual routes .

Google Maps, Apple Maps and many other map apps have transit directions built in. Find the ‘transit’ option next to options for driving, walking and biking. Or download the  Ventra app  to plan trips, buy passes and manage your fare account.

Take your trip

Ride the bus.

Details and tips for riding the bus  

Ride the train

Details and tips for riding the train  

If there are detours or delays, we will post information about it on the alerts section of this website. Alerts also show up in map apps—usually there is a or button to view them. You can subscribe to email or text message alerts about your favorite routes.

Traveling with…

Children are eligible for either a free or a reduced fare, depending on their age.

You can bring your stroller, but it’s best to fold it up when you board. Strollers cannot go on escalators—please use an elevator or ramp.

How to ride with children  

Every bus has a bike rack on the front of it. Personal bikes are allowed, but Divvy and bikeshare bikes are not. The bike racks are sturdy, but they might not accommodate e-bikes with large batteries or other bikes that are very heavy.

Personal bikes are allowed on trains except during weekday rush hours.

How to bring your bike  

Small pets are allowed as long as they remain in a closed protective carrier that can fit under a seat. Otherwise, only service animals are allowed.

Polices & practices  

July 23, 2024

Station Alerts

(link opens in a new window)

• Search Search
• Metrarail.com
• Metra Commuter Rail
• Transfer Options
• Chicago Transit Authority (‘L’ Trains & Buses)

Other Transportation

Premier Lounge

• Metropolitan Lounge

Station Map

• Accessibility
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Dining, Retail & Amenities

Event Spaces

• Burlington Room
• Founders Room
• Barber Shop
• Adams Street Balcony

Other Bookings

• Photography & Filming
• Rental Information
• Preferred Vendors

Getting Here

Chicago transit authority.

The Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA, provides train and bus service throughout Chicago and dozens of neighboring communities.

Eight 'L' train lines cross the city providing rapid transit services (known as a "subway" or "metro" system in many cities). 140 local and express bus routes complement this system. Many routes run from early morning through late evening, year-round, and a number run 24/7. Many of CTA's services connect with or compliment other regional travel services, including Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus services.

Nearest CTA TRAINS & BUSES to Union Station

CTA Trains Blue Line (O'Hare-Forest Park via downtown): Walk two blocks south along Clinton St. (on the west side of Great Hall) and enter subway station under the viaduct just south of Van Buren St.

CTA Buses Bus routes 7, 60, 124, 125, 126, 151, 156 and 157 (plus routes 1, 28, 121 and 125 during weekday rush and route 130 mid-May through Labor Day) directly serve Union Station and can be taken from the following locations:

• Union Station Transit Center: 1, 28, 121, 124, 128, 151, 156
• West side of Clinton, north side of block: 125, 130, 192
• West side of Clinton, south side of block: 7, 60, 157.
• Southwest corner of Clinton/Jackson: 126, 754, 755
• Other Stations
• Additional Info

Other CTA Stations

• Red Line (Howard-Dan Ryan): take the 1, 7, 28, 126 or 151 buses east to Dearborn for access to the Blue Lines (and Red Line via pedway).
• Orange, Pink, Brown and Purple Line Express Lines: walk three blocks east on either Jackson or Adams to Wells for Quincy station.
• For accessible entry to the Blue Line: take a 1, 7, 28, 126 or 151 bus east to Dearborn for access to the Blue Lines (and Red Line via pedway).
• For accessible entry to other 'L' lines serving downtown, take bus routes 1, 7, 28 or 126 east to State Street to reach the accessible Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren station to reach the Orange, Pink, Brown or Purple Line Express lines, or a 151 bus to Washington/Wabash for these lines and also the Green Line.

Plan Your Trip

You can use trip planners on CTA's website to get step-by-step directions on CTA, as well as from many popular mapping/travel apps.

You can buy new fare cards and tickets from the Ventra Vending Machine in Union Station (in the Metra ticketing area) or pay a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) fare directly at bus fare readers and 'L' station entry gates using contact-less bankcards or mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Paying with Cash

Cash is also accepted on buses, though exact change is required and transfers are not available when paying cash directly on a bus.

Additional Information & Resources

• Plan a trip
• Fares/tickets (including how to pay)
• Route info & schedules

Still Have Questions?

For additional information on the CTA, or to view the CTA's trip planning tools and information, visit their website at transitchicago.com .

• MetraRail.com
• GreatAmericanStations.com
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

@2024 Chicago Union Station. All rights reserved.

RTA Travel Information Center

Customer relations.

Travel Information for Pace, CTA and Metra buses and trains. 

Hours of Operation :

Mondays - Fridays 6:00 am. to 8:00 pm.

Saturdays 8:30 am. too 5:00 pm.

Closed Sundays

Sign up for Email or Text Alerts

© Copyright Pace Suburban Bus | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy  | Sitemap

• Getting around Chicago
• Attraction passes
• Domestic flight times
• International flight times
• Getting around
• Accessibility at Chicago’s airports 
• Accessibility at Chicago attractions
• Accessibility at Chicago’s museums
• Accessibility guide to Millennium Park
• Sensory-friendly attractions in Chicago
• Accessibility at Chicago’s theatres and performance venues
• International visitors
• Request visitors guide
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Helpful info
• Chicago weather
• Find Chicago hotels
• COVID-19 updates

From Chicago public transit to walking the city’s many neighborhoods, here’s your A to Z for getting from A to B.

Accessibility

Our accessibility guide has details on getting around Chicago by train, bus, taxi, and more for those with disabilities and/or mobility devices.

Chicago’s street system

Chicago’s streets are organized on a grid system. Madison Street divides the city north and south, while State Street divides it east and west. The State and Madison intersection in downtown Chicago marks the starting point of Chicago’s grid system. Addresses are relative to the distance from this point, with eight blocks to every mile. So, an address of 3600 N. Clark St. means that it is 36 blocks north of Madison Street.

Chicago is an extremely walkable city, from our downtown to our vibrant neighborhoods. Explore this map of pedestrian-friendly streets for the best areas to explore by foot.

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

The nation’s second largest public transportation system, the CTA operates Chicago’s eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes.

Not all of the system’s train lines are elevated (which is where the term ‘L’ comes from). They do, however, connect the city via above-ground, street-level, and subway trains, and serve 145 rail stations all over town. Two lines operate 24/7: the Blue Line, which connects Chicago O’Hare International Airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown.

Convenient CTA bus routes travel throughout the city, with stops every few blocks. Several lines offer Night Owl service, running until 2 a.m. or later. Get more information about extended hours of service.

Pay cash for single trip bus rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for both travel by ‘L’ train and bus. Tip: Download the Ventra app to track arrival/departure times for CTA buses and ‘L’ trains, and to reload your balance on the go. Find CTA fares, card retailers, maps, schedules, and train trackers .

The high-speed Metra commuter rail train connects outlying suburbs to downtown Chicago, and is a fast and easy way to travel to the heart of the city. Find fares and route maps .

In addition to hailing taxis throughout the city, you can e-hail and e-pay with CHICABS -approved apps ARRO and CURB . Credit cards are accepted in all taxis.

Ridesharing

Download your free Lyft and/or Uber app for on-demand ridesharing throughout the city. Simply enter your current location and destination, review fare options, and request your ride.

Water taxis

Chicago Water Taxi by Wendella Boats and Shoreline Water Taxi by Shoreline Sightseeing offer fast, affordable, and fun connections between Chicago’s top tourist destinations, and are the perfect combination of sightseeing and transport. Destinations include Chinatown, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue, Union Station, and Navy Pier. Find Chicago Water Taxi and Shoreline Water Taxi fares and route maps.

Shuttles and Limo service

Traveling with a large group or are simply looking to travel in style? Find shuttle and limousine services.

Chicago is a city made for cycling. There are over 200 miles of protected bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, conventional bike lanes, dashed/advisory lanes, marked shared lanes, and neighborhood bike routes throughout the city.

Divvy, Chicago’s bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Find Divvy locations and rates . Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS .

Driving in downtown Chicago? Here are some useful resources and apps:

• Interactive map of public parking facilities in downtown Chicago.
• iParkit : Allows you to reserve a guaranteed parking spot.
• Parking.com : Search for parking, compare options, and reserve a spot at the lowest rate, guaranteed.
• Millennium Garages : Visit the site for pre-purchase and drive-up rates.
• ParkChicago : Allows you to create an account linked to your car’s license plate; then you can enter the zone number on any Chicago street meter car parking sign to pay.
• SpotHero: Parking spots across the city accessible from your phone.

Check out road rules here . And find traffic and road conditions from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.

Search Form Overlay

Search cta.org.

• Member Benefits
• Leader Resources
• Help Center
• 2024 NEA RA
• Facebook Link
• Twitter Link
• Instagram Link
• YouTube Link
• Click to print
• Share this page on Pintrest
• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter

Discounts and Travel

Valuable benefits and discounts.

CTA members receive discounts on retail shopping, entertainment, vacation destinations, car rentals and more.

CTA Access to Savings

Get up to 50% savings on food, clothing, car care, travel, entertainment, home and garden and more.

Theme Park & Movie Discounts

Going somewhere? Save up to 50% when you do.

Car Rental Discount

Renting a car, SUV, or minivan? Take advantage of CTA flat rate pricing from Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Travel and Hotels

CTA along with NEA Member Benefits provides various discounts to hotels and travel.

Product Discounts

Get discounts on everyday products from CTA and NEA Member Benefits. CTA and NEA Member Benefits offers a unique variety of discount programs like the NEA Magazine Services and more.

Member Benefits Right Arrow An arrow pointing to the right

Take Action

When educators and allies raise our voices together, anything is possible. this is how we win the public education every student deserves., urge the legislature to pass pregnancy leave for educators act.

• Share this action on Twitter
• Share this action on Facebook

Sign the Pledge to Support LGBTQI Students And Educators

Stay informed, stay up-to-date with all the latest california teachers news, events, and member benefits..

• Name * First Name Last Name

We appreciate your interest in California Teachers Association. Our Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used and disclosed by CTA.

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from California Teachers Association. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Close Search Search

Know Before You Go

Attending a show? Plan your visit to the Harris! 

Directions via Public Transportation

CTA: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train stations close to the Harris Theater include the Red Line Washington Street station and Lake Street station, the Brown/Green/Orange/Purple Line trains’ Washington/Wabash station and State/Lake station. After exiting any of these stations, walk east on Randolph Street to the Theater at 205 East Randolph.

For additional directions to the Harris Theater, including bus routes, call the CTA Travel Information Center at 312.836.7000 or visit  https://www.transitchicago.com .

METRA: If arriving downtown via Metra trains, taxi cabs and CTA buses are all immediately available. From Union Station take CTA’s #151 bus directly to Millennium Park. From Ogilvie Transportation Center take CTA’s #20 or #56 bus directly to Millennium Park. From LaSalle Street Station take CTA’s #147 and #151 bus directly to Millennium Park. Randolph Street Metra Station and South Shore Line Station exit directly on Michigan Avenue and Randolph, just one block from the Harris Theater and at the Northwest corner of Millennium Park. For additional Metra station information and up to date train schedules please visit metrarail.com.

TAXIS + RIDESHARES: There is a taxi cab stand located on westbound Randolph (across the street from the theater, in front of the Aon Building), as well as on northbound Stetson Avenue. Rideshare pickup and drop off is permitted in front of our main lobby doors. 

If you require any assistance with hailing a taxi cab or calling a cab company after the event, please ask a member of our house staff.  

The Millennium Park Garage is located at 5 South Columbus. Discounted parking for Millennium Park Garage is available for all Harris Theater ticket holders, who purchase parking in advance, at a rate of $16 for up to 6 hours. Parking validation is also available onsite, at a rate of $17.50. We are now able to validate parking for the following garages: Millennium Park, Lakeside, Grant Park North, and Grant Park South.  To purchase parking in advance for an event at the Harris Theater,  click here

Entering the Harris

Our lobby entrance is located at 205 East Randolph Street on Upper Randolph. If you are parking in the Millennium Park Garage, please take the parking garage elevators to Street/Park Level (Level 7) and enter through this entrance. We recommend dropping off any members of your party with limited mobility on Upper Randolph before parking, where guests can find lobby seats and await the rest of their party or make their way to other lobby levels once having their ticket(s) scanned.

At street level are all box office services and scanning of performance tickets. Box office services are available prior to having tickets scanned. If you have purchased multiple tickets, please plan accordingly — distribute tickets to your party in advance or have your entire party present at the lobby entrance.

Accessibility

The Harris Theater strives to create a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment — presenting music and dance for everyone to enjoy and respond to in their own way. To help make your experience the best from arrival to the finale, we have an experienced and dynamic front of house staff ready to assist you. Click here to learn more about our available accessibility resources. To ensure that your needs are thoroughly met prior to your arrival, you can speak to a member of our team by calling our Box Office at 312.334.7777 or emailing  [email protected] .

Late Seating

Please allow extra time for travel to ensure that you arrive on time and can experience each performance in its entirety. Late seating times are determined by the artists, and late arriving patrons will be seated in locations at the discretion of house management.

Concessions

Concessions will be available to purchase and are permitted inside the theater. All sales can be made with cash, debit, credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Neighborhood

The Harris Theater is proud to partner with some of Chicago's most exciting restaurants. Read more about our Neighborhood  here .

Transit is the Answer Coalition to discuss reforms

Join the RTA Transit is the Answer Coalition meeting on Wednesday, July 31 to discuss possible reforms to improve service and accountability for riders. All are welcome but registration is required to attend.

RTA Board approves Regional Day Pass pilot launch

The RTA Board of Directors voted for an intergovernmental agreement for an integrated day pass that will allow unlimited rides on CTA, Metra and Pace.

Lawmakers pass state budget with transit initiatives

The Illinois General Assembly have passed a $53 billion budget for State Fiscal Year 2025 and an accompanying revenue package with some transit-specific initiatives.

The RTA is...

A government agency created by the State of Illinois to coordinate the Chicago region’s transit system, oversee its financing with transparency and accountability, and plan for a future with adequate, accessible, and equitable public transportation for the six counties of Northeastern Illinois. Learn more about the work we do...

Learn about regional planning and collaboration, innovative mobility pilots, and how the transit system is performing.

Find out how your community can apply for funding to plan and implement transit-friendly policies.

Plan your trip and learn how we are making the system more affordable and accessible for all.

The RTA in action

Through the Section 5310 program, the RTA will award nearly $14M in federal funding for projects that enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The services funded through this program provided more than 600,000 trips in 2022.

Section 5310

In September, the RTA Board of Directors approved a program of projects that will make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to get to jobs, medical appointments, the grocery store, social activities, and more. The Section 5310 Program is a federal formula grant program that provides assistance to public transportation projects that focus on enhancing mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

View ridership statistics, maps, and find out where we are investing in transit infrastructure near you on RTAMS, the Regional Transportation Authority Mapping and Statistics website.

Rental Car Discount

Get great rates on car rentals at over 40,000 locations globally from hundreds of suppliers like Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and more. Plus, you can book stress-free with cancellations on most rentals up to 48 hours before pick up and pay later options. Visit Access Discounts  to search, book and save.

CTA Rental Car Program for Actively Working CTA Members

The CTA Rental Car Program through Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides our active members vehicle rentals at CTA rates.* While it does not include other potential rental related charges, like optional insurances, the CTA rate is very competitive particularly in areas where vehicle rentals are usually the highest, including major airports. It's fast and easy to arrange for your car rental needs nationwide with Enterprise Rent-A-Car! Please log in for instructions and Account Number under How to Enroll .

*The member rate will be offered to current and actively working CTA members when available.  Enterprise reserves the right to control the capacity of reservations on the personal use programs and when necessary, may not be able to offer the member pricing.  

• This account code may only be used by current and actively working CTA Members.
• Family and friends are NOT eligible to use this account code.
• Reservations must be made under the CTA Member’s name ONLY (do not put a spouse/partner or other family member’s name).
• Enterprise has the right to verify membership and cancel a reservation if membership cannot be verified. Please contact CTA Membership Department at (650) 552-5278 or [email protected] to request a CTA ID Card (digital CTA ID Card is available by email).
• This is a CTA Member-ONLY rate!! Do not post this account information online or share on any social media platforms.

Provided By

Eligibility

How To Enroll

CTA Rental Car Program for CTA/NEA-Retired Members

The CTA Rental Car Program through Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides our CTA/NEA-Retired Members vehicle rentals at CTA discounted rates. There are alternative options if the Enterprise Rent-A-Car deal does not work for you. You can find other rental car options at CTA Access to Savings (click ENTER and select Travel & CARS) or through NEA Member Benefits . We do encourage our CTA/NEA Retired Members to shop around to find the best deal for you!

• This account code may only be used by CTA/NEA-Retired Members.

Footer Links

• Death and Dismemberment Plan
• Complimentary Life Insurance
• Auto and Home Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• District-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance
• Long-Term Care Program
• Beneficiary Registration

Life Events

• CTA Disaster Relief Fund
• New Member Resource Center
• CTA Classroom Setup Grant
• NEA Member Benefits Disaster Relief Assistance
• When Life Changes
• Group Legal Services Program (GLSP)

Financial Services

• Credit Union Services
• Credit Card Services

Discounts & Travel

• Rental Car Discounts
• Product Discounts
• Access Discounts
• Theme Parks & Movie Discounts
• Travel and Hotels
• Vision Discount
• CTA Retirement Savings Plan
• Calculators
• Financial Education

Tools & Resources

• CTA/EBT Summary Plan Description
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Member Benefits 4 You (MB4U)
• CTA Member Benefits Videos
• Forms and Materials
• Member Training Programs
• CTA Conferences
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Articles for Chapter Newsletters
• Leader Training Programs
• Chapter Insurance
• MB Organizing Leader Resource Center
• Insurance Home
• Life Events Home
• Financial Services Home
• Discounts & Travel Home
• Retirement Home
• Tools & Resources Home

Flights resume at Italy's Catania after Etna ash disruption

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Marta Di Donfrancesco Editing by Keith Weir

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Belarusian foreign minister arrives in North Korea, KCNA says

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Vladimirovich Ruzenkov arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday at the invitation of North Korea's foreign ministry, North Korean state media KCNA said on Wednesday.

Live Well • Work Well Promoting a healthier lifestyle through total wellness.

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

Hearing impaired: use 711 relay service

More contact options

Travel information.

Plan your CTA trip online or by phone.

Lost & found

Lose something on a CTA vehicle or station? We might be holding it at a bus garage or rail terminal .

• Reduced Fare & Free Ride Programs
• Student reduced fare
• Military Service Pass
• Construction Adjacent to Our Tracks
• Filming & Photography
• Freedom of information
• Title VI Policy 
• Equal Employment Opportunity